He was the first to ask US on a date.  He included my beautiful three year old on our first date.  He thought of us before he thought of me.  He took us to an appropriate kid-friendly place.  He talked to Brandon, he made Brandon laugh.  And when dinner was over, Brandon looked at Archie and said, “Are you coming home to see Mimi and Papa?”  The deal was sealed…he was special.

I held back, afraid to give up my heart.  I couldn’t tell him I loved him…I was terrified of my past repeating itself.  But once I was able to make that step, everything fell into place.  Engaged and a wedding date planned before we’d hit the six month point.  A fall wedding, as I’d dreamed.

There wasn’t a doubt…WE would be married.  Not just Archie, and I…but Brandon, too.  He asked Brandon permission to marry me, and he had Brandon give me the ring – sending my mother into a fit of tears.  The ceremony would involve Brandon, and we’d be announced as a family.

And so we were.  Our small family embarking on new territory. Making a path none of us was too sure how to follow.  But we trudged ahead and forged it together.

The first year was tough as I pursued roles in Community Theater as well as marriage and mommy-hood.  But from there, community theater was put on hold to focus on family.

We’ve had our struggles…financially, and emotionally.  But we’re now at nine years and stronger than ever.

He’s the one that’s supported me, no matter what my dream or desire.  He believes in me when I’m not so sure I believe in myself.  He tells me daily that I’m beautiful, or a good wife, or both.  He is proud of me as his wife, and as a mother.

So Archie, thank you for nine years of wedded bliss (and miss)…our struggles made us stronger…and your love makes me better.